This is a photo of Rocky Mountain Power's Lakeside power plant by night. Rocky Mountain Power serves about 80 percent of the electric customers in Utah.
Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain Power. Used with permission.

Located in the heart of the Western Energy Corridor, Utah is home to an abundant supply of world class resources. OED is dedicated to advancing all forms of responsible energy and minerals, including conventional, unconventional and renewable, as well as fostering innovation in the areas of efficiency, conservation, and alternative transportation.

"Without these natural resources we would not enjoy the standard of living we do in our modern society." -John Baza, Division of Oil, Gas & Mining

Utah’s Energy Resources & Priorities

Conventional fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil account for 98 percent of Utah's total energy production. Affordable, reliable and sustainable energy, largely supplied by Utah's efficient fossil fuels, is a key factor in powering the state's thriving economy and high quality of life.

Utah is home to vast reserves of unconventional energy resources, including oil shale and oil sands. The development of these resources could greatly enhance our region and nation’s economy and energy security. Utah is also on the forefront of advanced and hybrid energy systems, as well as nuclear technology.

Utah has significant high value renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass. Not only do these resources add value and resiliency through their low carbon intensity and distributed nature, but they also provide rural communities with profound economic development opportunities.

Energy efficiency and conservation plays an increasingly important role in powering Utah's future. Utah was recently recognized by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as one of the “most improved” states and the highest-ranked in the region. The state currently ranks No. 1 in U.S. for ENERGY STAR certified schools and 10th for LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified buildings.

Utah's population growth and associated economic development continues to create unprecedented demand for strategic infrastructure development. Regions where power needs are greatest (Wasatch Front), are often far from where the energy sources reside (rural counties). Accordingly, exploration, development, production, transportation, and distribution of these energy resources is of prime importance.

A remarkable variety of nonfuel mineral resources can be found in Utah, including base and precious metals, as well as industrial minerals. In 2014, Utah ranked fifth in the U.S. for nonfuel mineral production, accounting for approximately 5.4 percent of the country's total supply.

OED Mission

To advance Utah’s diverse energy sector through planning, policy, and direct engagement with the private sector; and thereby to foster economic growth through energy development and conservation activities and through the provision of affordable, reliable energy.

Emma Penrod -The Salt Lake Tribune
Utah residents who plan to upgrade their home water heater after Nov. 1, 2017, will pay slightly more — but they'll also help cut one source of wintertime pollution.
A rule passed by the Utah Air Quality Board on Wednesday will prevent the sale or installation of...